Today we’d like to introduce you to Dj Shinski.
Hi Dj Shinski, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started in my high school days in Kenya. I used to commute to and from school daily using the popular minibusses also known as “Matatus”. The Matatus used to have loud bass thumping sound systems, big TV screens, crazy light shows inside, and they would play nothing but popular DJ mixes. It was like a club on wheels and I would always dream to have my own DJ mix being played in the Matatus. The Matatu culture definitely inspired me to pursue my deejaying passion.
After finishing high school, my family and I migrated to the US and that’s when I really focused on my deejaying craft. During my college days, I would do a lot of house parties and gained some recognition in the party scene. Eventually, I got the attention of a club promoter who invited me to Dj at one of his events at a club in Houston. It was a huge success, and after that night of DJ, I got hired for multiple club events.
Most people worldwide know me from my Dj mixes on youtube, SoundCloud, Mixcloud, and Apple podcasts. I gained more popularity during the 2020 covid lockdown when everyone was at home. I used to do live DJ mix zoom sessions on Facebook and YouTube weekly which grew my audience significantly.
When the world “opened up”, the demand for me to do more shows grew and I have been touring non-stop to different cities and countries performing for thousands of people. I am grateful to have this opportunity to make an impact in the world with my music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. First of all, trying to balance my djing career and going to school for electrical engineering was tough. I barely had time for social life because if i wasn’t studying, I was researching new songs to play at my gigs.
Secondly, the pandemic did not spare me financially at all. I quit my engineering job in 2019 right before the pandemic so I can focus on my Djing career. The lockdowns really hit me hard. I was broke and was struggling to make ends meet because all the clubs were shut down. That’s when I started focusing on online Live mixing. It was not easy but it paid off in the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an internationally known professional Dj that specializes in open format “world music” meaning I am well diverse when it comes to playing a wide assortment of music genres.
I am well known for my ear for good music and the ability to distinctively read the crowd’s taste of music which has proven that I can rock any type crowd and keep them on their feet.
I am humbled to have fans from all over the world, both young and old telling me how much of a positive impact my mixes have made in their lives. It’s very touching to hear that my mixes got people through the toughest times, like during the Covid pandemic. It kept them entertained in their houses while the world out there seemed so dark. I have had children as young as 6 years telling me they love my mixes, and I inspire them to become a DJ. Back in my childhood days, a career in Dj was looked down upon by society. No African parent wanted their children to pursue djing. I am glad have at least painted a positive like to the craft.
My unique style of mixing where the listener feels like the songs flow smoothly with each other, has made me stand out. In addition to that, my tenacity for always evolving, being consistent in pushing out content and maintaining my humility has helped my growth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Hard work beats talent. I learned in life to get what you want, you must put in the work and always be prepared when the opportunity comes knocking at your door.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djshinski.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djshinski
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djshinskifanpage
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/djshinski
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djshinski
- SoundCloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/deejayshinski
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@djshinski
